Luke 12:49-59

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Jesus the Cause of Division

⁴⁹ “I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already ablaze! ⁵⁰ I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!^{(A) 51} Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!^{(B) 52} From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; ⁵³ they will be divided:

Interpreting the Time

⁵⁴ He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain,’ and so it happens.^{(D) 55} And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens.^{(E) 56} You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?^(F)

Settling with Your Opponent

⁵⁷ “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? ⁵⁸ Thus when you go with your accuser before a magistrate, on the way make an effort to reach a settlement,^[a] or you may be dragged before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you in prison.^{(G) 59} I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”^(H)